Ian Rapoport on NFL Media, citing a source knowledge of the Brown’s thinking, reports that there’s still a chance Johnny Manziel could return to the starting quarterback role this season.
Sources have told Rapoport that HC Mike Pettine simply trying to “exert his presence” with the decision to bench Manziel after a video surfaced of him partying a few weeks ago.
Rapoport adds that we could see Manziel in place as early as next week when the Browns take on the 49ers. However, this will likely come down to the play of Austin Davis, who is drawing the start today against the Bengals.
It’s worth mentioning that Browns OC John DeFilippo wouldn’t rule out Manziel getting another shot this season.
“We’re a long way from the end of the season,” DeFilippo said, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “To say that Johnny Manziel will not play again this season, I’m not ready to say that.”
Manziel, 22, is in the second year of his four-year, $8,247,250 rookie contract that included $6,702,625 guaranteed. He’ll make a base salary of $794,936 this season and another $1,169,872 in 2016.
This season, Manziel has appeared in six games and thrown for 933 yards while completing 59.4 percent of his passes to go along with five touchdowns and two interceptions. Manziel has also ran for 90 yards.
We’ll have more regarding Manziel’s future with the Browns as the news is available.
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